You don't need to be an "art snob" to appreciate this Van Gogh exhibit. I know little about art and could care less about brush stroke technique, paint composition, canvas type, and many other artistic related factors. But I did find this exhibit enjoyable. It's divided into three phases.
Phase one displays a variety of Van Gogh's paintings (not the originals) and describes when each was painted and what the artist was experiencing in life at that time. There are several life-size reconstructions of his paintings, e.g., his bedroom in Arles, France, and they are identified as recommended photo opportunities. Some people might spend an hour just in this section, I was ready to move on after ten minutes.
Phase two is the large 360-degree projection room with beach chairs spread about to relax in while taking in the images constantly changing and moving around the four walls and on the floor. This was the part that I enjoyed the most as I got to relax and marvel at the technology employed to seamlessly move the images created to represent the characteristics of the paintings being referred to. There is some narrative, background sound effects, and music throughout this presentation. I did see some people appearing to be napping in their beach chairs. This phase probably lasts about 20 or 30 minutes.
Phase three consists of an opportunity to experience Van Gogh's work while wearing a virtual reality headset. This costs extra. I didn't chose to explore this phase so I can't provide further information.
After a casual stroll through the gift shop, were you able to purchase Van Gogh beach chairs, program soundtracks, umbrellas, t-shirts, hats, and many other "souvenirs," we took advantage of the clean restrooms upstairs in the armory. Total time spent, 70 minutes. Free parking is available in designated lots behind the Schenectady Armory. read more